Ian Wright slams “coward” Erling Haaland | OneFootball

Ian Wright has slammed Erling Haaland for a “coward” move in Arsenal’s draw with Manchester City on Sunday.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Declan Rice of Arsenal embraces with Erling Haaland of Manchester City following the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Amid an intense footballing battle between Arsenal and Manchester City at the weekend, one moment away from the play wound up former Gunners striker Ian Wright.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Erling Haaland had contested a good battle throughout the 2-2 draw, with both players getting on the scoresheet and contesting a number of individual duels.

But when City scored their late equaliser, Haaland picked up the ball and threw it at Gabriel’s head, and Wright wasn’t happy about it.

Erling Haaland throws the ball at Gabriel Magalhaes during Arsenal’s match against Manchester City (Image via Arsenal.com)

“You know what really boiled me up properly? Haaland’s coward move,” Wright said.

“I saw it this morning, properly, throwing the ball [at] Gabi’s head when he’s not looking. When Gabi’s back’s turned to him. Real coward’s move. Gabi would look you in the eye.

“I’m looking at this as a really good defender vs striker, for the years to come. Them two, I love watching them two. And then you’re doing a coward’s move like that?

“That’s what bothered me more than anything else. I thought you was bigger than that, bro.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Former Footballer Ian Wright looks on as they present on ITV Sport prior to the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 19, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Gabriel said afterwards that he “[didn’t] even remember” the incident, which is unsurprising given he never saw Haaland sneaking up behind his back.

By the time Gabriel pulled his shirt down off his face, Haaland had already sprinted away to hide.

The incident was reviewed by VAR, but it was deemed that it wasn’t enough for a red card. Michael Oliver presumably would have given a yellow if he’d seen it, but who knows what game he was watching on Sunday?